Do you remember when you were in high school or college and the calendar flipped to January? And, that meant the return to the academic rigors, dorm food and spending 22 minutes to find street parking was near? Well, now, many years later and I am a mom, I want to shout out to my family, hello January! For me, and some of you, January is a month filled with lists and goals. And, new journals and calendars to record our goals. And share 8 ideas to add winter decor in January.

Yes, friends, January is my second favorite time of the year.

1. Candles

Yes, I know. Candles are a staple for home bloggers. So I am always surprised when guests talk about my candles. And, I love homes filled with real candles too.

Candles have a calming effect and bring peace to a space.

Unless you are my dad.

Lit candles have the opposite effect on my dad. If a candle is lit he will pace around the candle, check on the candle and pace some more. I think a table filled with lit candles would give my dad a panic attack.

Until finally he has to extinguish the lit candle. And then, my dad can relax, but only after the candles stop smoldering.

Nestled in the month of January, candles create a winter mood for any space; regardless of size.

Except for the space where my dad resides. #wink

Side: Here is an easy idea to upcycle the candle jars from the holidays. Here is the video on my youtube channel.

2. Fresh Greenery

Fresh greenery adds January decor. I know we just hauled out our trees and tossed out the crispy garland. But before we drop off our tree for the girl scouts to recycle, I always cut a few branches for the January decor.

Or, you can snip a few sprigs of rosemary to add a fresh scent to the winter decor.

3. Lighting

I shared this tip with my daughter who heads into tax season in like 3 hours. I suggested she add one or two inexpensive lamps (and timers) so when she gets home after midnight she has lighting to welcome her.

The same idea works for the rest of us.

I found these very inexpensive lamps at Target. I might go back and get this one. After a month of twinkly lights, lamps and additional lighting add ambiance and warmth to the month of January. Lighting warms the corners during a month that brings frigid temps and snow.

4. Winter Stems

Winter stems are a great example of not making something harder than it needs to be. Two minutes ago these stems were sharing space with berry stems. And, now these winter stems from Michaels just eased into the January decor.

5. Pinecones

Pinecones are nature’s gift to us. In Colorado, we are surrounded by pine trees. I bet Ma Ingalls used pinecones in her cabin decor in January.

Did you know White Out or white nail polish is a great way to paint the tips of pinecones?

I discovered this tip while sitting on a software-related webinar. #multi-tasking

6. Winter Whites

I love creamy whites year-round. But creamy whites in January are the closest thing to heaven (do you know recognize that line from a famous movie)?

I add creamy whites to the January decor because it quiets the space. Winter whites are the opposite of the reds, greens and oranges from seasons past.

7. Repurpose Prints or Canvas

I have a Christmas sign that I keep up year-round. It is perfect for our daughter’s bedroom/guest room.

Relocating prints is a great way to mix up the decor and get more mileage out of the expense.

I purchased this canvas for my son’s bedroom. Well, he leaves for school in 13 days and twelve hours so I plan to grab it off his wall and hang it in the living room through the winter.

8. Keep a Little Garland & a Smidge of Green

I tend to keep a little bit of garland in the background, Why? Because it snows in January and February in Colorado (and April and May). And, a little bit of garland helps me transition seasons before it’s Easter.

In my dining room, I keep garland under the window through the middle of February because.. well, why not?

I keep the white lights on our Aspen trees just outside the dining room window up year-round (but don’t tell our HOA). So a little bit of garland warms the window.

And, then when I found these cute little evergreen pots at Target last fall I decided to keep them on a north-facing window because I love, love, love navy and green.

Love.